OUR IMPACT
What a Difference a Home Can Make
West Michigan is facing a housing crisis.
In the greater Holland area:
9,526 renters and 12,357 homeowners are cost-burdened (paying 30% or more of their income toward housing costs).
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More than 1,800 housing units are considered sub-standard (pose a risk to the health and well-being of occupants, neighbors, and visitors).
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Lakeshore Habitat wants to make sure the cost of home is something we all can afford.
93% of Lakeshore Habitat homeowners believe they would not be where they are today without Habitat.
57% of homeowners moved six or more times prior to becoming a Lakeshore Habitat homeowner.
86% participate more in groups or activities in the community.
93% feel better about their children's future.
96% of parents say their child's attitude toward school has improved.
81% say their kids have friends visit their home more often.
80% of those who changed jobs since becoming a Lakeshore homeowner say their job became better overall.
43% of homeowners have started or completed higher education since becoming a homeowner.
89% spend more quality time with their families.
Community Impact
A stable home is a community-level intervention. We all benefit.
Strength, Stability & Self-Reliance Through Shelter
Lakeshore Habitat has helped over 600 individuals (more than 200 adults and more than 400 children) achieve their dream of affordable homeownership—thanks to your support.
Meet the Flores Family
The story of the Flores family is a clear example of how a home can change the trajectory of a family—for generations to come. Jorge and Magda Flores were living paycheck to paycheck, moving time after time as they struggled to find an affordable place to live. They worried about the future of their three boys. But in 1993, Jorge and Magda became Lakeshore Habitat homeowners. Research shows that homeownership is a pathway out of poverty.* Thanks to the solid foundation of an affordable, decent home, barriers to a brighter future were removed for the Flores family. All three of their boys went on to become college graduates with great jobs. They pay taxes and have the means to give back. And their own children have the same foundation for success. What a difference a home can make!
The story of the Flores family is a clear example of how a home can change the trajectory of a family—for generations to come. Jorge and Magda Flores were living paycheck to paycheck, moving time after time as they struggled to find an affordable place to live. They worried about the future of their three boys. But in 1993, Jorge and Magda became Lakeshore Habitat homeowners. Research shows that homeownership is a pathway out of poverty.* Thanks to the solid foundation of an affordable, decent home, barriers to a brighter future were removed for the Flores family. All three of their boys went on to become college graduates with great jobs. They pay taxes and have the means to give back. And their own children have the same foundation for success. What a difference a home can make!
*Beneficial impacts of homeownership: A research summary. 2016. Habitat for Humanity.
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